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Editorial: Pilot Report by a Newbie
By Ed Downs
The Dromida Drone was a learning experience for this writer. (Courtesy Dromida)Like it or not, drones (Unmanned Aerial Systems) are becoming a major player in the National Airspace System. This writer decided last year to add one more pilot rating to the list I now have by becoming an FAA UAS pilot. Sure enough, I visited www.faasafety.com, took the UAS pilot training course, fought my way through the IACRA process (electronic 8710 form) and presto, I was a drone pilot … sort of. Yes, I had the plastic in my pocket, but had never actually flown a drone. Leaving that small detail behind, In Flight USA reached out to drone manufacturers, inviting them to submit news announcements that might help us provide the most current information to our reader base of contemporary (real?) pilots. In Flight USA is even attending the Drone World Expo, being held in San Jose in early October. But, the results of our outreach have been mixed, as the gaming and business world of drones has been slow to pick up on the fact that they are a part of the family of flying machines, mixing in with airplanes stuffed with people. But that suddenly changed, about two weeks before this October issue went to print.
An e-mail announcement from Hobbico Inc. suddenly showed up. Don’t recognize the name? Hobbico is the largest distributor of model products in the world, with more than 400 brand names and some 60,000 products. Do the names Revell Model, United Model, Tower Hobbies, Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, or Hobby Lobby ring a bell? Yep, this employee-owned company holds a leadership role in the world of drones, ranging from toys to professional commercial versions. The announcement addressed a new, low end, drone that probably falls into the “toy” category, but seemed to have some of the features normally reserved for the big guys. With a Wi-Fi connected camera that take photos and videos (direct to an app on your smart phone), hand controller, 3D goggles and all the accoutrements needed to fly (including spare rotor blades and even a small screw driver), my interest was piqued. With an MSRP of $89.99, this intrepid aviator figured, “how about getting hold of this critter and actually learn how to fly a drone, from the perspective of a pilot report.” Thus, began a trip into the world of technological humiliation, ending with an enlightenment about the world of drones that exceeded my expectations. Yep, an old dog can learn new tricks.
Editorial: Drones, Coming to Your Neighborhood Soon
CEC Drone Hangar (Ed Downs)More and more, those of us in contemporary aviation, especially GA pilots, are likely to encounter drones. The passage of FAR 107 last year formalized the registration, pilot certification standards, and operational parameters of drones, eliminating the complex exemption process that had been in place. This has caused a near explosion in the use of these devices for what most would consider “commercial operations.” While hobbyists with model airplanes may still enjoy their passion without becoming involved in the federal bureaucracy, those using drones for any form of business or commercial operations (which are very broadly defined under FAR 107) must be certificated and follow strict rules of flight.
CEC new headquarters. (Ed Downs)Having acquired my own FAA UAS Certificate last year and teaching two UAS pilot classes (one for a municipal utility provider), it is becoming apparent that what we generically refer to as “drones” are entering the mainstream of legitimate aviation. At this point, let me be technically correct. While the term “drone” tends to refer to all machines that fly or hover without a pilot onboard, the true term that should be used is UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) or UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). “System” implies a pilot is constantly involved per FAR 107, while “vehicle” implies autonomous operation. For the sake of this editorial view, let’s just call them “drones.
FAA Establishes Drone I.D. Rulemaking Committee
Editorial: A New Pilot Certificate, With No Written Exam of Flight Test?
By Ed Down
Absolutely, existing pilots with a current Flight Review can now obtain a new pilot certificate by taking a short, web-based, instructional course and filling out a form on the FAA website. And yes, you too, can become a “Drone” Pilot! The long-awaited FAR 107 is now in play, and as an instructor for the weekend training experts at Aviation Seminars, I have just received a course update that enables “0” time “Drone Pilot” wannabe’s to attend a weekend course, take a written exam and, with a simple application, become qualified to operate a Drone commercially. As a currently certificated pilot, you can enter the commercial Drone market with ease.
It has been my intent to quickly undergo the web-based training course (which I did, very nicely done) and then apply for my Drone Pilot Certificate, yet another “notch in my log book.” Regrettably, while FAR 107 (this is the rule for commercial Drone operators) is up and running and the training and test are in place, the required FAA application forms will not be online until after Aug. 29, so this “Drone Pilot” wannabe is just going to have to wait. While seemingly not connected with big plane flying, it should be noted that FAR 107 commercial Drone operations in Class “G” airspace are permitted with no special permission from the FAA. Remember, about 85 percent of all public use airports are in Class “G” airspace. It should be noted that failure to understand how this new FAR works could end up with you receiving a fine of up to $27,500 in civil penalties if you fail to operate even a recreational drone incorrectly. Fines of up to $250,000 and three years in jail are possible if a drone is involved in something that turns out to be illegal. Yep, the fine print can hurt!
Editorial: Droning On
By Ed Downs
Let’s get to the bottom line. Are you, as a GA or business pilot, likely to encounter a drone being operated in the vicinity of your airport by individuals who know nothing about airspace rules or airport operations? YES! Are you, as a private citizen, likely to have drones flying overhead that do not have maintenance or controllability standards by individuals who are untrained and unfamiliar with the characteristics of the machine they are operating? YES! Now, let’s take a look at why these conclusions have been drawn.
In late 2012, this writer became aware of the widespread use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS). After considerable research, an editorial titled, “Sharing Airspace with UAVs” appeared in the January issue of In Flight USA addressing what might be a growing safety issue to contemporary aircraft. Often referred to as “drones,” research disclosed that two types of drones existed. Those being flown by a trained pilot and often “chased” by a manned aircraft are called UASs, meaning Unmanned Aerial Systems. Those flying an autonomous drone, meaning fully automatic without a pilot or visual interface, are called UAV’s, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
FAA Funding Secured Through September 2015
Money Included for ADS-B, Avgas Research, and Certification Reform
By Elizabeth A Tennyson, AOPA
Congress has passed an omnibus-spending bill that keeps the FAA, and other government agencies, funded through the end of the fiscal year in Sept. 2015. The funding bill, which avoids a government shutdown, passed the Senate over the weekend, following passage by the House earlier in the week.
The omnibus includes $12.4 billion for the FAA, approximately $17 million less than the FAA’s 2014 funding level. The bill also covers full operation of the air traffic control system, as well as $3.35 billion for the Airport Improvement Program, which funds infrastructure repairs and improvements at airports, including general aviation airports.
The agreement also includes a provision that allows small airports to continue contributing five percent of the total cost for unfinished phased projects that were underway prior to the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.
Embry-Riddle Worldwide Hosted a Small UAS Challenge at Wings Over Houston in November
Enthusiasts of small, unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) had a chance to demonstrate their aircraft and skills during a Small UAS Challenge in Houston Nov. 1 and 2.
Sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide, the competition was free and open to private, academic and commercial participants. This indoor challenge featured an obstacle course (emphasizing agility and maneuverability), dead lift (lifting ability) and time trial (speed over a closed course). Eligible aircraft, which could be no larger than 36 inches and 10 pounds, required a vertical takeoff and landing.
Unmanned Aerial Systems Enhance Safety and Expand the Filmmaking Industry
By Shanon Kern
On Sept. 25, 2014 the Federal Aviation Administration announced that six aerial photography and video production companies would be granted regulatory exemptions to operate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in the national airspace for use in the film and television industry. In a summary grant to Aerial Mob, LLC dated Sept. 25, 2014, the FAA found, “the enhanced safety achieved using an unmanned aircraft (UA) with the specifications described by the petitioner and carrying no passengers or crew, rather than a manned aircraft of significantly greater proportions, carrying crew in addition to flammable fuel, gives the FAA good cause to find that the UAS operation enabled by this exemption is in the public interest.” The FAA went on to say, “UAS provide an additional tool for the filmmaking industry, adding a greater degree of flexibility, which supplements the current capabilities offered by manned aircraft.”
Safe Landings - March 2013
Editorial: Sharing Airspace with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s)
By Ed Downs
First, the title of this editorial is technically wrong. While many (if not all) readers will recognize the acronym UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), with the immediate image of the lethal “Predator” coming to mind, such an image and use of the term “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle” simply demonstrates the same level of misunderstanding that was held by this writer – more on the acronym later. Fortunately, receipt of a NASA news release and a conversation with the pros at NASA came to my rescue.
But let’s go back to the beginning of this subject and take a look at why it attracted this writer’s attention. As a part time instructor for the well-known aviation school, Aviation Seminars (an immersion training organization that conducts weekend programs around the country), I am privileged to teach Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics (FIRCs). A Certified Flight Instructor must attend a FIRC every 24 months, often not a terribly fun experience, as the same material is often covered time and time again. The last FIRC I taught was different, having been updated to include a good deal of new material and visual aids. One of the key topics covered has to do with “pilot deviations,” or what most pilots refer to as mid-air collision and runway incursion avoidance. A new subject in this presentation deals with the increased use of “UAVs” in the National Airspace System. Basically, this two-slide subject suggests “heads up and watch out!” The presentation includes an actual video taken from a UAV operating in Afghanistan as it whizzes past an A-300 Airbus with less than 50 feet to spare. But that is the end of the presentation. No further discussion is included about what is really going on with UAV’s here in the States.